Ring in the New Year with Springfield’s favorite tradition! The Springfield Area Arts Council proudly presents the 38th annual First Night Springfield, a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts on New Year’s Eve, in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Dana-Thomas House, and the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the Hoogland’s box office. Admission is $25 for adults (16+), while youth (15 and under) attend for free. This year, we’re thrilled to bring back a beloved First Night tradition: admission buttons! These unique, collectible buttons serve as your ticket to the festivities and are limited to the first 200 ticket buyers. Youth (15 and under) will receive wristbands.
The celebration kicks off with children’s crafts and live performances at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. First Night Springfield ticket holders will also enjoy free admission to the museum, making this a perfect afternoon for families. From 3:00 to 5:00 PM, children’s crafts at the Hoogland Center for the Arts will be hosted by the Garvey Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center and the Sangamon Watercolor Society, providing creative fun for young attendees.
From 3:00 to 8:00 PM, the Hoogland Center for the Arts will come alive with performances by the Lotus Fire Belly Dancers, Capital City Improv Group, The Muni, Central Illinois Irish Dancers, The Lincoln Ring of Magicians, Hoogland Education Program, Springfield International Folk Dancers, and more. With such a variety of acts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Audiences can also experience live, period-accurate music at the Dana-Thomas House, with the Dana-Thomas House Band featuring local musicians Jane Hartman, Buddy Rogers, Chrissy Becker, and Chaz Blythe. From 3:00 to 7:00 PM, this talented ensemble will play everything from ragtime to big band favorites. Guests are invited to enjoy these performances while taking open house tours of this beloved historic site.
Cap off the evening with a dazzling fireworks display at 8:00 PM, ensuring families can enjoy the spectacle and still have time to get the kiddos home for bedtime and ring in the New Year their way. Parking is made easy with free parking available in the garage next to the Hoogland Center for the Arts, ensuring convenience for attendees.
A full schedule of activities will be available on the Springfield Area Arts Council’s website, so check back for updates. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the arts and the community spirit of Springfield. Secure your tickets today and claim your collectible admission button before they’re gone!
Join us in making the 38th annual First Night Springfield an unforgettable celebration of the arts! We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help with everything from event setup to assisting with activities and performances. It’s a great way to support your community while being part of this beloved tradition. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and individuals who want to make a lasting impact. Your support will help us provide an accessible, family-friendly event that showcases the vibrant arts scene in Springfield. Together, we can make this New Year’s Eve a night to remember! To learn more about volunteering or sponsoring, visit our website or contact us today.
